Product Review: Jason Natural Soothing 98% Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel

I had been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream for several months already, but decided to buy a different moisturizer before setting out for a December trip to Hong Kong. The reason was Kiehl's product is lightweight and moisturizing enough only during high humidity days. I was afraid that it wouldn't be enough to protect my skin from the harsh cold wind of Hong Kong.

So I ended up buying Jason Natural Soothing 98% Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel. I made a quick research on the Internet and saw that it fared well on ratings from different sites such as TotalBeauty, Amazon, and MakeupAlley.

The product caught my interest because of the high concentration of Aloe Vera and it's affordable price tag.

Product Name: Jason Natural Soothing 98% Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel

Price and Availability: Php 225.00 (Healthy Options) / 113g (4oz), Amazon

Ingredients:

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Aqua (Water), Carbomer, Gluconolactone, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Arginine, Allantoin, Panthenol, Menthol, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, AMyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum)

*Certified Organic Ingredient

Remarks:

Possible irritants include potassium hydroxide, menthol, and fragrances. All ingredients are noncomedogenic according to cosdna.com database.

Description

"This concentrated, non-oily daily moisturizing gel naturally delivers instant dry skin relief. Aloe Vera soothes dry, irritated, sun damaged or newly shaven skin while a boost of nourishing Allantoin and Vitamin B5 replenish and recondition. With use, skin is calmed, balanced and nurtured back to its healthy-looking best." --- Jason Natural

Review:

I mentioned in my previous post that I use a sunscreen during daytime and a moisturizer during the night. Which means I only use this moisturizer gel from Jason Natural once a day. 

A glob of Jason Natural moisturizer.

The first thing I noticed from the product is it's super sticky texture. The consistency is very thick and the color clear. Applying a thick glob of this product over my face isn't exactly a pleasant sensation to me. I can still feel the tackiness after allowing the gel to be absorbed onto my skin.

Applying a bit more leaves my skin feeling cool, a result of the menthol ingredient found in the formulation. I like that sensation, but I had read that some users find the product stinging their skin. So, I don't think this is something that the sensitive skin will like.

Though I don't like the sticky feel, I like how it moisturizes my face. I used this in Hong Kong, where the temperature had plummeted to as low as nine degrees Celsius. The moisturizer prevented my skin from peeling (an incidence I had experienced during my earlier visits to Hong Kong).

However, when I started to use this product twice a day, I started noticing my acne to be flaring up. I assume that this is due to the irritating ingredients found within the tube. Irritation is one factor for acne to develop.

Pros:

-no parabens, sls, and pthalates

-contains high concentration of aloe vera

-affordable

-noncomedogenic

-moisturizes without the greasy appearance

Cons:

-contains irritants that may not be suitable for sensitive skin

-sticky

Verdict:

I love the soothing effect of aloe vera, but the irritating ingredients seem to cancel out the good effects. I will still keep using it though until I find a more suitable moisturizer. If you decided to purchase this product, use it only once a day.

Rating: 3.5/5

Product Review: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 45

I have been using Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunscreen, which I have written a review about in my past post, for a few months already. I think the said product is fine, and works well as a daytime moisturizer during the low-humidity periods. However, after using it for a few times during my jogging spree, I noticed that my skin has darkened a bit. So I decided to look for another product from the same brand which hopefully would work better, and has chosen the Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 45 because it cointains green tea (Skin care products containing green trea turn me on!). Besides, it contains higher SPF, longer water resistance time (80 minutes), and most importantly, it bears a seal of recommendation from the Skin Cancer Organization.

Product Name: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 45

Price and Availability: Php375.00 (Healthy Options) / 113g (4oz), Amazon

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients: Homosalate 10%, Octocrylene 10%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Titanium Dioxide 2%

Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract*, Cetearyl Olivate, Polysorbate 60, Silica, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol*, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Fragrance (Parfum)

* Certified Organic Ingredient

(Comedogenic ingredients: Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, and Glyceryl Stearate SE, Irritant: Alcohol)

Remarks: 

According to cosdna.com database: Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetyl Alcohol are highly comedogenic. Glyceryl Stearate SE is moderately comedogenic. Alcohol is an irritant.

Descriptions:

SPF 45

100% vegetarian ingredients

no parabens, pthalates, or harmful sulfates

water resistant (80 minutes)

broad spectrum

Review:

Back view.

A closer view at the back of the package.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 45 is white in color and has a slightly thick texture. It has a faint sweet smell, not really like of green tea, but of a mixture of plants and flowers. The texture makes it easy to apply on the face. A little bit of effort can easily blend the product into the skin, leaving a white-less layer of protection.

Since I have oily skin, I very much prefer this product compared to my previous Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunscreen. My skin appears less greasy (but still kind of shiny) and therefore more cosmetically appealing. For now, I've never tried applying anything on top of my sunscreen, so I'm not sure how it would fare if combined with makeup. Personally though, I hate to combine products. I would rather wear my sunscreen alone and that would be enough.

Before applying the sunscreen, I don't need any moisturizers at all. The formulation itself is emollient enough. I apply my daily benzoyl peroxide for my acne-prone skin, and then the sunscreen. By midday, I need to blot my face because my skin becomes extremely greasy.

The packaging doesn't indicate anything about being noncomedogenic. Despite that, I didn't have any problems with breakouts. That may be because after every workout, I wash my face immediately so as to avoid clogging the pores with sweat and sunscreen. During normal office days, I wear the sunscreen all day, and at night, remove the sunscreen with my reliable Clean & Clear facial wash. I never leave the sunscreen on overnight.

Pros:

- has a stable sunscreen formula 

- has SPF 45, which is slightly higher than the minimum requirement of SPF 30

- water resistant

- emollient, good for slightly dry to normal skin

- affordable

Cons:

- people with very oily skin will find it a bit too greasy

- may clog pores

Verdict:

After trying both products from the same Alba Botanica line, I would say I prefer this one. It is less oily and provides more protection against both UV A and B rays. It's impressive sun protective properties outweighs the slightly greasy feel it gives me. I would definitely repurchase this product. 

Rating:

4.5/5

Product Review: Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunscreen

Why spend lots of bucks on different anti-aging serums or creams if you can simply prevent the culprit (that is, the sun's harmful UV rays) of premature aging by investing on a sunscreen? Sunscreen is indeed a basic skin care product that every woman (and man) should have. Many women may simply gear toward the SPF-containing cosmetics for their sun protection, but a heavy-duty sunscreen is still the best way to go.

I had been looking for a sunscreen that is affordable, noncomedogenic, has UVA and UVB protection, and has at least SPF 30. The Skin Cancer Organization provides a list of suncreen brands bearing the Seal of Recommendation, meaning the sunscreen is very photostable (doesn't break down under the sun, thus offering an effective layer of protection). The list shows some familiar brands yet only a few are accessible in the malls I frequently visit in Manila. I was glad to find Alba Botanica in the list, which I knew was being sold in Healthy Options stores. So off I went to the store and among a small range of Alba Botanica sunscreens, I chose Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunscreen because it contains moisturizing ingredients - which means I can simply skip my moisturizer during my daytime skin regimen. 

Product Name: Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Sunscreen

Price and Availability: Php375.00 (Healthy Options), Amazon

Ingredients:

Active Ingredient: Homosalate 7.5%, Octocrylene 7.5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5.0%, Titanium Dioxide 2.0%

Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Gingko Biloba Leaf Root Extract, Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract*, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Polysorbate 60, Silica, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol*, Benzyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate

*Certified Organic Ingredient 

(Comedogenic ingredients: Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, and Glyceryl Stearate SE, Irritant: Alcohol)

Descriptions:
SPF 30

100% Vegetarian Ingredients

No Animal Testing

won't clog pores

hypo-allergenic

water resistant (40 minutes)

paraben free

Review:

Alba Botanica Sunscreen has emollient properties, meaning it has a double function of sunscreen and moisturizer rolled into one. I am particularly concerned about the interaction among different skin care products and sunscreen ingredients. So as much as possible, I avoid using my skin care products simultaneously with a sunscreen. Since Alba Botanica has moisturizing properties, I need not worry about ingredients interaction because I can simply use my sunscreen solely during my daytime regimen.

Yet, I'm not sure if this is the right choice for my oily face, at least in the aesthetic department. The sunscreen is very greasy. I could already see my oil slick face as soon as I apply the sunscreen. Applying less might do the trick, but sunscreens aren't meant to be applied sparingly. Well, at least the sunscreen claims to be noncomedogenic, which my acne-prone skin would be thankful for.

Speaking of comedogenicity, cosdna.com database returned a result of three ingredients of the product garnering a medium to high scale of comedogenicity, namely: Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, and Glyceryl Stearate. It's quite puzzling, since the product is supposed to be noncomedogenic as per claim. Despite having a careful look at the ingredient list before buying, I still pushed through with my purchase to give this product a chance. And so far, it didn't break me out. But of course, to be on the safe side, I still have to remove the sunscreen completely at home to prevent possible clogging of pores.  It may be a bit of a challenge to remove the product, because it's water-resistant, but so far my Happy Tea Time Foaming Cleanser is doing a good job.

I'm not exactly looking for a water-resistant sunscreen, but it's also a bonus given the very hot weather in the Philippines. I sweat a lot in the face, so by having a water-resistant sunscreen, I am certain that I can stay protected.

As I've mentioned earlier, Alba Botanica is very greasy, yet I also love how it glides across my skin. It's very easy to spread, and it took me less time applying it in the morning as compared with other brands. Aside from the greasy appearance, the cosmetic finish of the sunscreen is very nice - no white residue. 

Pros:

water-resistant

noncomedogenic (so far)

easy to spread

no white residue

broad UV protection

has moisturizing properties

affordable

Cons:

very greasy

contains alcohol

may be lacking in UVA protection (check the table below)

Screen capture from cosdna.com database.

Will I buy this again? Perhaps not. I will be trying out other products within the Alba Botanica Natural Sunscreen Line which my oily skin will prefer. On the other hand, I highly recommend this to people with dry skin.

Alba Botanica Natural Sunscreens:

How to Have Beautiful Hands

Source: breahn | Flickr

Having soft and smooth hands is something what many woman would love to have. It is particularly important in the dating world. Men love the feel of the soft and smooth hands of their date. However, having the desirable skin may not always come easy to some people.

If you're a housekeeper, machinist, or health care worker, you are especially prone to a condition called irritant contact dermatitis. Activities in those fields often expose the hands to water, soap, and harsh chemicals that are irritating to the skin. These factors strip the skin off lipids that act as natural barrier. Once this layer is disrupted, the skin becomes dry, flaky, reddish, and irritated.

It is therefore a good practice to apply hand cream after every hand wash. Water alone can ironically contribute to dry skin, especially hard water. By using hand moisturizers, the moisture is immediately locked in the skin. Hand creams can also soothe an already irritated skin. They act as a protective layer and may even speed up (especially skin care products containing ceramides) skin renewal.

Hand Cream (Photo: Amazon)

Do you really need a cream specifically for the hands? Well, body lotion and hand creams basically have the same formulation, only that body lotion is lighter in weight and is more convenient to use for the whole body. If you have normal skin, a body lotion may already be sufficient for your hand care. If you have dry and sensitive skin type, you may need a hand cream that have heavier formulation. In fact, it is even proven by a scientific study by Günter Kampf and Joachim Ennen that using a hand cream after each wash improves the skin's smoothness.

I've seen an episode of a Japanese show wherein a foreign resident claimed to have never used lotions or creams after washing. Some places in Japan have good quality of water that are gentle to the skin. Well, lucky for them! For us who live outside Japan, we should just stick to using hand creams because our water may not be as soft as in places like Japan.

How to Treat Dry Skin

A tub of moisturizer. (Photo: Amazon)

Our skin contains oils that act as natural barriers against the outside environment. Dry skin results when our natural barriers are stripped of due to outside factors such as harsh products, low humidity weather, and too much scrubbing of the skin. Dry skin may also be due to heredity or other medical conditions.

It is important to treat dry skin as too much dryness can lead to cracks, fissures, and irritation. One important product for dry skin care is the moisturizer.

There are many forms of moisturizers ranging from lotions, creams, and ointments. Lotions are the lightest form of moisturizer and are only useful to normal and oily skin. Ointments, on the other hand, are the heaviest form of moisturizer thereby the most effective form to seal in moisture, but it may not be convenient to apply ointments regularly.

Different types of ingredients found in moisturizers work in different ways to treat dryness. Emollients are ingredients that add moisture to the skin (such as petrolatum). Humectants absorb moisture from the environment (such as glycerol). Occlussives trap moisture in the skin and prevent water loss (such as petrolatum and lanolin).

When choosing skincare products, it is best to avoid products containing alcohol, surfactants (such as ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate - see Skin Care Ingredients Glossary), and soaps (such as sodium tallowate and cocoate). Avoid salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) as well.

Certain lifestyle changes are also helpful when it comes to treating dry skin. Eating foods rich in omega-fatty acids, drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier at home, and wearing non-irritating clothes such as those made of cotton and other natural fibers are just some of the ways to deal with dry skin.

Sources:
WebMD
Sharecare